Hospitality Law Blog

Kentucky General Assembly Makes Cocktails-To-Go Privileges Permanent

One of the many pandemic-inspired ad hoc measures enacted last year to support restaurants and provide much needed merriment for beleaguered patrons has now become a permanent feature of Kentucky law – the cocktail-to-go. SB 67 was signed into law by Kentucky Gov. Beshear on March 15^th featuring an emergency clause thereby rendering it immediately effective. More >

New Order from Gov. Beshear Closes All Non-Essential Retail Businesses

On Sunday, March 22, Gov. Andy Beshear issued an executive order that closes all non-essential retail as of 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23. Essential retail businesses listed in the order include grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, hardware stores and other businesses that provide staple goods. Luckily for alcohol retailers, that list includes liquor stores, which may remain open, but follow social distancing and hygiene guidance from the CDC and Kentucky Department of Public Health. Importantly for restaurants, carry-out, delivery and drive-through food and beverage sales may continue. More >

Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet Extends Package Sales Privileges to By-the-Drink Licensees

A Comprehensive Kentucky Update More >

Kentucky Bill May Provide Relief to Alcohol Sellers: Carryout Privileges and Suspended Fees

Alcohol By the Drink Carryout Privileges; Waivers for Fees and Deadlines for Applications and Renewals

New developments in Kentucky today include the following:  on March 19^th, the Kentucky House of Representatives passed legislation that, if approved by the Senate, will grant to relief to restaurants holding licenses to sell alcoholic beverages by the drink, who, for a period of time, would be able to sell alcoholic beverages on a delivery, to-go, or take-out basis in conjunction with food sales. Covered or sealed drinks that are ordered under these provisions would not be considered open containers. More >

Gov. Beshear Executive Order Restricts Onsite Consumption of Food and Alcohol

Monday, March 16, 2020, Kentucky’s Governor Beshear signed an executive order restricting the sale of food, beverages, and all alcoholic beverages to carry-out, delivery and drive thru, prohibiting onsite consumption. In addition, the order mandates social distancing of six feet for patrons and employees engaging in carry-out, delivery and drive-thru services. At this time, the Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Control board has not offered guidance on how the order will impact its operations and whether it will grant relief in licensing, renewal, and/or operations of affected Kentucky licensees. The continued closure of services has also caused Churchill Downs to reschedule the 146th Kentucky Derby from May 2nd to September 5th, the first time the Derby has been postponed since 1945.

Stephen G. Amato is a Member of McBrayer law. Mr. Amato focuses his practice in the areas of hospitality law, civil litigation, employment law, and administrative law, and is located in the firm's Lexington office. He can be reached at samato@mcbrayerfirm.com or 
(859) 231-8780, ext. 1104. 

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This article does not constitute legal advice.